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FOX 46 Carolinas

The debate over whether to remove Confederate monuments continues in cities and counties across the country.

"I really don't notice them until someone says something about it, you know," said Gaston County resident Derrick Whitesides.

A monument topped with a Confederate soldier stands outside the Gaston County Courthouse.

"I don't see any reason that a Confederate Monument on MLK Boulevard should come down," said Gaston County Resident Barbara Lane.

Lane says it's a monument marked by America's history.

"We're proud of our ancestors-- no matter what war they fought in or who they are," she said.

But to others, the monuments symbolize reminders of a painful past.

"On city and county property-- the monuments need to go," said Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts.

This week, Governor Roy Cooper called for the removal of Confederate Monuments throughout the state. President Trump denouncing that, calling it "sad" and "foolish."

"It is a part of history-- these are our ancestors-- they fought in the Confederate War and we are proud of them," said Lane. "Just like we are proud of our ancestors that fought in all the other wars."

Many Americans are calling for calm-- searching for common ground.

"We need to stop the fight and stuff-- we need to work things out," said Whitesides. "Move the monuments from the Civil War to a battleground where war was fought, so that way-- you know that statue will be there"

A state law passed in 2015 prohibits the removal of Confederate monuments.

Fox reached out to city and county officials in Gaston County for comment, but didn't hear back.